Hot tub covering system

ABSTRACT

Exemplary embodiments of the invention provide a hot tub covering system comprised of a plurality of objects adapted to float on the water surface of a hot tub. The objects are adapted to disperse around a person&#39;s body in the water. In further exemplary embodiments, the system is adapted to reduce water evaporation and heat loss without substantially impeding use of the hot tub. Furthermore, if the hot tub is located in an indoors environment, the system reduces humidity (i.e., evaporation rate of the water) and creates a more pleasant atmosphere. As a non-limiting example, the objects may be made of a plastic, such as polyethylene, polystyrene or polypropylene. As non-limiting examples, the objects may have a generally cylindrical shape or a generally spherical shape.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The exemplary embodiments of this invention relate generally to coveringof a liquid surface and, more specifically, relate to a system forcovering the liquid surface of a hot tub.

BACKGROUND

With an open liquid surface, it is often desirable to reduce evaporationof the liquid. It may also be desirable to reduce heat loss (i.e.,reduce the transfer of thermal energy from the liquid to the surroundingatmosphere). One or more floating members may be utilized for suchpurposes.

For example, U.S. Pat. No. 3,938,338 to Cullen discloses a float membercomprised of a body having a hexagonal circumferential skirt or wall.The float member is shaped or weighted such that it tends to float inonly one of two dispositions. The hexagonal skirt is disposed at thelevel of the liquid with the skirt extending substantially at rightangles to the surface of the liquid. The float member is forside-by-side nesting with similar float members for substantiallycompletely blanketing or covering the surface of a liquid. The floatmember is further designed such that wind blowing across the membertends to urge it downwardly.

As another example, U.S. Pat. No. 3,993,214 to Usab discloses the use ofa plurality of dodecahedron-shaped floating bodies that float on thesurface of a liquid. The dodecahedrons each have twelve identicalpentagonal faces. The floating bodies are designed to fit together andsubstantially achieve 100 percent cover of the liquid surface. Thefloating bodies are presented within the context of industrialapplications wherein it is essential to have unimpeded access to theliquid.

As a further example, U.S. Pat. No. 4,270,232 to Ballew discloses acover for a swimming pool comprised of a multiplicity of cover segmentseach composed of a hexagonal frame. The cover segment is designed toprevent heat loss by having heat transfer sheeting (i.e., a heatretaining material) on one side (i.e., the side facing the water).

SUMMARY

In an exemplary aspect of the invention, a hot tub covering systemincludes: a plurality of objects adapted to float on a surface of waterin a hot tub, wherein the plurality of objects are adapted to dispersearound a person's body in the water.

In further exemplary embodiments, the system is adapted to reduce waterevaporation and heat loss without substantially impeding use of the hottub. Furthermore, if the hot tub is located in an indoors environment,the system reduces humidity (i.e., evaporation rate of the water) andcreates a more pleasant atmosphere. As a non-limiting example, theobjects may be made of a plastic, such as polyethylene, polystyrene orpolypropylene. As non-limiting examples, the objects may have agenerally cylindrical shape or a generally spherical shape.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The foregoing and other aspects of embodiments of this invention aremade more evident in the following Detailed Description, when read inconjunction with the attached Drawing Figures, wherein:

FIG. 1A shows a side view of a hot tub utilizing an exemplary embodimentof the invention;

FIG. 1B depicts a top view of the hot tub shown in FIG. 1A;

FIG. 1C shows a side view of the hot tub in FIG. 1A with a personsitting in the hot tub;

FIG. 1D shows a top view of the hot tub in FIG. 1C;

FIG. 2 shows a side view of an exemplary object with which exemplaryembodiments of the invention can be implemented;

FIG. 3 depicts a side view of another exemplary object with whichexemplary embodiments of the invention can be implemented;

FIG. 4 depicts a side view of another exemplary object with whichexemplary embodiments of the invention can be implemented;

FIG. 5A shows a side view of another exemplary object with whichexemplary embodiments of the invention can be implemented;

FIG. 5B shows a top view of the exemplary object illustrated in FIG. 5A;

FIG. 6 illustrates a cross-sectional view of another exemplary objectwith which exemplary embodiments of the invention can be implemented;

FIG. 7 depicts a cross-sectional view of another exemplary object withwhich exemplary embodiments of the invention can be implemented;

FIG. 8A depicts an exemplary manufacturing system for producing aplurality of objects made from plastic foam;

FIG. 8B illustrates an exemplary object that can be produced by theexemplary manufacturing system of FIG. 8A; and

FIG. 8C depicts another exemplary foam object that can be produced bythe exemplary manufacturing system of FIG. 8A.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

With a hot tub, it is desirable to reduce evaporation of the water.Furthermore, since the water is usually warmer than the surroundingatmosphere, it is also desirable to reduce heat loss. Particularly incolder climates or weather, water and/or chemicals evaporating from thespa may make the surrounding environment unpleasant, for example, due tothe smell. When indoors, spas are often a source of high humidity.

Exemplary embodiments of the invention provide a hot tub covering systemcomprised of a plurality of objects adapted to float on the watersurface of a hot tub. The objects are adapted to disperse around aperson's body in the water. The system reduces water evaporation andheat loss without substantially impeding use of the hot tub.Furthermore, if the hot tub is located in an indoors environment, thesystem may reduce humidity (i.e., evaporation rate of the water) andhelp to create a more pleasant atmosphere. In some exemplaryembodiments, the system also reduces the evaporation rate of chemicalsin the water, further contributing to the improvement of the atmosphere.

FIG. 1 shows a hot tub 10 utilizing an exemplary embodiment of theinvention. FIG. 1A depicts a side view of the hot tub 10. The hot tub 10is partially filled with hot water 12. A plurality of objects 14 arefloating on a surface 13 of the water 12. Note that the plurality ofobjects 14 are adapted to float on the surface 13 of the water 12. FIG.1B depicts a top view of the hot tub 10. FIG. 1C shows a person 16sitting in the hot tub 10. As can be seen, the plurality of objects 14are further adapted to disperse around the person's body 16 in the water12. FIG. 1D shows a top view of the person 16 sitting in the hot tub 10.The plurality of objects 14 collectively may be considered a hot tubcovering system.

The coverage of the hot tub covering system may be partial orsubstantial. That is, in some exemplary embodiments, the plurality ofobjects 14 substantially cover the surface 13 of the water 12. In otherexemplary embodiments, the plurality of objects 14 only cover a portionof the surface 13, for example, less than 90% of the surface 13. Theplurality of objects 14 are adapted to reduce water evaporation and/orheat loss. As can be appreciated from FIGS. 1C and 1D, the plurality ofobjects 14 do not impede use of the hot tub 10 by a person 16. In otherexemplary embodiments, the depth of the coverage is greater thanone-object deep. For example, the plurality of objects 14 may bearranged in a plurality of layers.

In some exemplary embodiments, each of the plurality of objects 14 isabout 1-4 inches in diameter (e.g., approximately the size of a pingpong ball). In further exemplary embodiments, the size of the objects 14is selected such that the objects cannot fit in any intake tubes of thehot tub 10. In other exemplary embodiments, the plurality of objects 14are comprised of a material that has a density less than that of water.Such a density ensures that the plurality of objects 14 will float onthe water 12. In further exemplary embodiments, the plurality of objects14 are comprised of a material that has a density less than 0.9grams/cm³. In other exemplary embodiments, the plurality of objects 14are comprised of at least 90% air.

In further exemplary embodiments, at least one of the plurality ofobjects 14 is comprised of a closed-cell material. Closed-cell materialsmay be particularly suitable since they are highly resistant to moistureand, at least in some cases, may be waterproof. As non-limitingexamples, at least one of the plurality of objects 14 may be comprisedof a plastic, such as polyethylene, polystyrene and polypropylene, asnon-limiting examples. In other exemplary embodiments, at least one ofthe plurality of objects 14 comprises a water-proof exterior coating orlayer. In some exemplary embodiments, at least one of the plurality ofobjects 14 comprises a substantially solid object. In further exemplaryembodiments, each of the plurality of objects 14 comprises asubstantially solid object.

The plurality of objects 14 are adapted to be displaced as the person 16enters the hot tub 10. As the person 16 sits in the hot tub 10, theplurality of objects are adapted to at least partially surround theperson 16. The plurality of objects 14 are freely movable relative toone another. This enables the person 16 to more comfortably sit in anduse the hot tub 10. For example, in some exemplary embodiments, if anobject is between the person 16 and a wall of the hot tub 10 and theperson 16 leans back against the wall, the object will readily slide outof the way (e.g., due to its shape). Furthermore, in some exemplaryembodiments, there are no sharp edges or corners on the objects thatwould harm or otherwise irritate the person 16 in the hot tub 10.

It is generally preferred that the plurality of objects 14 not betightly packed. Such an arrangement facilitates free movement amongstthe objects 14 and ready use of the hot tub 10 by a person 16. However,in further exemplary embodiments, the plurality of objects 14 may bepacked together.

In other exemplary embodiments, at least one of the plurality of objects14 is adapted to orient the at least one object relative to the surface13 of the water 12. Such exemplary embodiments are illustrated in FIGS.3-4 and further described below.

In other exemplary embodiments, at least one of the plurality of objects14 further comprises a stabilization component configured to orient theat least one object relative to the surface 13 of the water 12. Suchexemplary embodiments are illustrated in FIGS. 5-7 and further describedbelow.

FIG. 2 shows a side view of an exemplary object 20 with which exemplaryembodiments of the invention can be implemented. The object 20 isadapted to float on water in a hot tub, similar to the plurality ofobjects 14 shown above in FIG. 1. The object 20 is further adapted todisperse around a person's body in the water. The object 20 is a solid,plastic ball whose diameter is about 1-4 inches.

FIG. 3 depicts a side view of another exemplary object 30 with whichexemplary embodiments of the invention can be implemented. The object 30shown in FIG. 3 has had a portion of the spherical shape removed. Due tothe modified shape (i.e., as compared with the substantially perfectsphere shape of the object 20 in FIG. 2), the object 30 in FIG. 3 willassume a certain vertical orientation relative to the surface of thewater in the hot tub.

FIG. 4 depicts a side view of another exemplary object 40 with whichexemplary embodiments of the invention can be implemented. In contrastto the object 20 in FIG. 2, the object 40 in FIG. 4 is elongated alongboth horizontal axes (i.e., it is in the general shape of a disc). Insuch a manner, the object 40 will assume a certain vertical orientationrelative to the surface of the water in the hot tub.

FIG. 5A shows a side view of another exemplary object 50 with whichexemplary embodiments of the invention can be implemented. FIG. 5B showsa top view of the exemplary object 50 illustrated in FIG. 5A. The object50 is comprised of at least two portions: a substantially spherical mainbody 52 and a stabilization component 54. As shown in FIG. 5, thestabilization component 54 is comprised of an additional exteriorsection that provides vertical stability for the object 50 and isconfigured to orient the object 50 relative to the surface of the water.The stabilization component 54 of the object 50 has a rounded-rectangletop profile and extends around the equator of the substantiallyspherical main body 52.

Although shown in FIG. 5B as having a rounded-rectangle top profile, inother exemplary embodiments, the stabilization component may comprise adifferent top profile. As a non-limiting example, the stabilizationcomponent may comprise a circular ring of material extending about theequator of the substantially spherical body. Similarly, in otherexemplary embodiments, the stabilization component may comprise adifferent side profile from the one shown in FIG. 5A. In furtherexemplary embodiments, the stabilization component may extend around adifferent portion (e.g., a portion other than the equator) of the mainbody.

FIG. 6 illustrates a cross-sectional view of another exemplary object 60with which exemplary embodiments of the invention can be implemented.The object 60 is comprised of at least two portions: a substantiallyspherical main body 62 and a stabilization component 64. As shown inFIG. 6, the stabilization component 64 is comprised of an additionalinternal section of material whose density is greater than the densityof the main body 62. In such a manner, due to the stabilizationcomponent 64, the object 60 will achieve a vertical orientation relativeto the surface of the water. In further exemplary embodiments, thestabilization component 64 may have a different shape, particularlysince it is internal and does not affect the external appearance of theobject 60.

FIG. 7 depicts a cross-sectional view of another exemplary object withwhich exemplary embodiments of the invention can be implemented. Theobject 70 is comprised of at least two portions: a substantiallyspherical main body 72 and a stabilization component 74. As shown inFIG. 7, the stabilization component 74 is comprised of an additionalinternal section of material whose density is less than the density ofthe main body 72. As a non-limiting example, the stabilization component74 may comprise an intentional air pocket. In such a manner, due to thestabilization component 74, the object 70 will achieve a verticalorientation relative to the surface of the water. In further exemplaryembodiments, the stabilization component 74 may have a different shape,particularly since it is internal and does not affect the externalappearance of the object 70.

As noted above, in some exemplary embodiments the plurality of objectsmay comprise a plastic or plastic foam, such as polyethylene,polystyrene or polypropylene, as non-limiting examples. In suchexemplary embodiments, the objects may be formed using techniques andprocesses known to one of ordinary skill in the art (e.g., extrusion).With reference to FIG. 8, below is described one non-limiting example ofsuch a production technique.

FIG. 8A depicts an exemplary manufacturing system 80 for producing aplurality of objects made from plastic foam. Solid pellets, specialadditives and a blowing agent are fed into an extruder 82. The blowingagent may comprise a chemical blowing agent or a liquid gas, asnon-limiting examples. Note that in some cases, and possibly dependingon the plastic in question, crystals may be used in place of thepellets. Within the extruder 82, the materials are combined and melted,under controlled conditions of high pressure and temperature, into aviscous plastic fluid. The thick, hot plastic fluid is forced through adie 86 in a continuous process. As it emerges from the die 86 (as output88), the material expands to a foam which may be cooled, shaped andtrimmed. The shape of the die 86 affects the final shape of the producedobject. As a non-limiting example, the die 86 may have a substantiallycircular shape. The objects are produced by cutting the output 88. Asnon-limiting examples, the output 88 may be cut at regular intervals 90or at the die 94 to produce one or more foam objects 92, 96. Theextrusion process results in a foam product having a substantiallyuniform closed-cell structure. Furthermore, the resulting product mayhave a substantially smooth continuous skin, for example, if the outputis cut at the die.

FIG. 8B illustrates an exemplary foam object 92 that can be produced bythe exemplary manufacturing system 80 of FIG. 8A. Since the example die86 is generally circular in shape and the output 88 was cut along aplane generally parallel to the face of the die 86 at one or moreintervals 90, the produced foam object 92 has a generally (e.g.,substantially) cylindrical shape.

FIG. 8C depicts another exemplary foam object 96 that can be produced bythe exemplary manufacturing system 80 of FIG. 8A. In this case, theexample die 86 is also generally circular in shape, however the output88 was cut at the die 94 along a plane generally parallel to the face ofthe die 86. This results in a produced foam object 96 that has agenerally (e.g., substantially) spherical shape.

As utilized herein, a “hot tub” is considered to be a container holdingrelatively warm (e.g., hot) water that is designed to enable at leastone user to at least partially immerse himself or herself in the water.A hot tub may enable more than one person to at least partially immersethemselves in the water. A hot tub may have one or more jets or otheragitators that cause the water to circulate, bubble or otherwise move(e.g., within the hot tub).

As utilized herein, the terms “vertically oriented” or “verticalorientation” relative to the surface of the water is considered toindicate that the object has at least one preferred orientation relativeto the surface of the water. That is, due to the mass placement or otherfeatures of the object, the object is likely to assume a certainorientation with a preferred portion of the object above or below thewater. In a similar manner, objects may have a plurality of preferredorientations, such as two preferred orientations, for example.

It should be noted that the objects 30, 40, 50, 60, 70 of FIGS. 4-7 areall considered to have a substantially spherical shape. As utilizedherein, a substantially spherical shape is considered to be a shape thatis at least generally spherical. Such a shape may depart from a perfectsphere and feature one or more deformations and/or additions, such aselongation or additional components. However, even in view of suchdeformations and/or additions, the shape is still recognizably,generally circular (e.g., perfectly circular, ellipsoidal) in sideand/or top views.

Although shown in FIGS. 1-7 as having a substantially spherical shape,in other exemplary embodiments one or more of the plurality of objectsmay have a different shape, such as a generally cylindrical shape (e.g.,object 92 in FIG. 8B) or a generally cubic shape, as non-limitingexamples. In some exemplary embodiments, the edges or corners of theobjects are rounded or otherwise not sharp. This may be preferable inorder to provide a pleasant atmosphere to a user of the hot tub systemsuch that, for example, the plurality of objects are not abrasive orotherwise injurious to the user. As a non-limiting example, theplurality of objects may be substantially shaped as cylinders withrounded edges, each cylinder having a base of about 1-2 inches indiameter and a height of about 1-2 inches.

Any use of the terms “connected,” “coupled” or variants thereof shouldbe interpreted to indicate any such connection or coupling, direct orindirect, between the identified elements. As a non-limiting example,one or more intermediate elements may be present between the “coupled”elements. The connection or coupling between the identified elements maybe, as non-limiting examples, physical, logical or any suitablecombination thereof in accordance with the described exemplaryembodiments.

The foregoing description has provided by way of exemplary andnon-limiting examples a full and informative description of the bestmethod and apparatus presently contemplated by the inventors forcarrying out the invention. However, various modifications andadaptations may become apparent to those skilled in the relevant arts inview of the foregoing description, when read in conjunction with theaccompanying drawings and the appended claims. However, all such andsimilar modifications will still fall within the scope of the teachingsof the exemplary embodiments of the invention.

Furthermore, some of the features of the preferred embodiments of thisinvention could be used to advantage without the corresponding use ofother features. As such, the foregoing description should be consideredas merely illustrative of the principles of the invention, and not inlimitation thereof.

1. A hot tub covering system comprising a plurality of objects adaptedto float on a surface of water in a hot tub, wherein the plurality ofobjects are adapted to disperse around a person's body in the water. 2.A hot tub covering system as in claim 1, wherein the hot tub coveringsystem covers less than 90% of the surface of the water.
 3. A hot tubcovering system as in claim 1, wherein the hot tub covering systemsubstantially covers the surface of the water.
 4. A hot tub coveringsystem as in claim 1, wherein the hot tub covering system is adapted toreduce water evaporation and heat loss.
 5. A hot tub covering system asin claim 1, wherein the hot tub covering system is adapted to not impedeuse of the hot tub by a user.
 6. A hot tub covering system as in claim1, wherein each of the plurality of objects is about 1-4 inches indiameter.
 7. A hot tub covering system as in claim 1, wherein theplurality of objects are comprised of a material that has a density lessthan that of water.
 8. A hot tub covering system as in claim 1, whereinat least an outer surface of at least one of the plurality of objects iscomprised of a closed-cell material.
 9. A hot tub covering system as inclaim 1, wherein at least one of the plurality of objects is comprisedof a plastic.
 10. A hot tub covering system as in claim 1, wherein atleast one of the plurality of objects is comprised of at least one ofpolyethylene, polystyrene or polypropylene.
 11. A hot tub coveringsystem as in claim 1, wherein at least one of the plurality of objectscomprises a water-proof exterior coating.
 12. A hot tub covering systemas in claim 1, wherein at least one of the plurality of objectscomprises a generally cylindrical shape or a generally spherical shape.13. A hot tub covering system as in claim 1, wherein a depth of coveragefor the hot tub covering system is greater than one-object deep.
 14. Ahot tub covering system as in claim 1, wherein each of the plurality ofobjects comprises a substantially solid object.
 15. A hot tub coveringsystem as in claim 1, wherein the plurality of objects are adapted to bedisplaced as a user enters the hot tub.
 16. A hot tub covering system asin claim 1, wherein the plurality of objects are adapted to at leastpartially surround a user in the hot tub.
 17. A hot tub covering systemas in claim 1, wherein the plurality of objects are freely movablerelative to one another.
 18. A hot tub covering system as in claim 1,wherein the plurality of objects are not tightly packed.
 19. A hot tubcovering system as in claim 1, wherein at least one of the plurality ofobjects further comprises a stabilization component configured tovertically orient the at least one object relative to the surface of thewater.
 20. A hot tub covering system as in claim 1, wherein at least oneof the plurality of objects is adapted to vertically orient the at leastone object relative to the surface of the water.